The main purpose of the programme, which is piloted by the Oceans Research Foundation, is to promote skills development and create environmental awareness. Sea the Change has been in a pilot phase since 2019, and 2 400 learners have already benefitted from the programme.

This year, the 60 young women from Mossel Bay, aged between 16 and 18, will be trained in the core areas of marine mammal stranding response, first aid and pre-sea introduction. They will also receive life guard training and have the opportunity to obtain a skipper’s licence.

According to Andrea Bradfield, responsible for fundraising at Oceans Research, the selected participants will follow a general marine education and practical skills programme and will also be involved in environmental ambassador outreach activities in the community.

“All 60 candidates will take the marine stranded response course as well as a first aid course. From the 60 participants, eight will be selected for lifeguard training. As the year progresses, six of those eight will be selected to do the pre-sea course, and out of those six, two will be selected to undertake the boat skipper’s licence,” explained Bradfield.

Through CP Nel Motors, Isuzu ChildLife has granted funding of R88 000 towards the project. As a dealership located on the coast, CP Nel Motors’ dealer principal, Kenneth Cupido, feels strongly that it is important to teach youth about nature conservation and preservation through development programmes. “We are aware of the societal ills and challenges within our communities. We trust that young females will learn skills that will stand them in good stead to pursue science- and marine-related careers,” said Cupido.

“We at CP Nel Motors are delighted that this local project has received the support of Isuzu ChildLife. It gives our dealership the opportunity to uplift our community and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our local youth. Skills programmes of this nature will instil confidence, improve self-esteem and assist in youth marketability,” he said.

Isuzu Childlife is a joint initiative between Isuzu Motors South Africa and its dealer network. Each entity contributes to the fund for every vehicle sold.